Balotelli will succeed at Brescia, says De Jong

Mario Balotelli is “very happy” being back in Brescia and can be a real success for his hometown club, according to former team-mate Nigel de Jong.

The enigmatic former Inter, Manchester City and Nice striker returned to Italy in August, signing a multi-year deal with the newly-promoted Serie A side.

Balotelli, 29, spent much of his childhood in the Brescia region and revealed his mother cried when she found out he was signing for the Lombardy outfit.

De Jong played alongside Balotelli at City and AC Milan, and he expects the move home to bring the best out of his friend.

“Of course [he can succeed], he’s back in his home town Brescia with his family around him,” the former Netherlands international said after Vincent Kompany’s testimonial match, which Balotelli attended as a spectator.

“I know him very well, we speak quite often, and he’s happy.

“For me, it’s important for Mario to be in an environment he’s happy with and [where] he’s back with his family.

“I think he needs two more weeks before he’s really fit and he can play his first game.

“Mario’s Mario – the qualities will always be there. We just hope that he can pick up where he left off [in France] and show his qualities for Brescia because they’re going to need it this year.

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